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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-19-85 CCMLAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES �t�����L U MARCH 19, 1.985 Mayor Morgan called this special meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers. Present: Armstrong, Dunn, Mazzara, Administrator Klaers. 1. Resolution regarding DNR Gateway Segment; of the Minnesota - Wisconsin Boundary State Trail. M/S/P Morgan/Dunn - To adopt Resolution 85-10 requesting the DNR to prohibit the use of motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, on that section of the proposed Gateway Segment of the Minnesota --Wisconsin Boundary State Trail that borders the City of Lake Elmo, as .recommended by the Parks Commission.. (Motion carried 4-0). 2. Interviews with applicants for City Attorney (civil work). A. George Borer of Sweeny, O'Connor.& LeMay Mr. Borer stated his firm is known as a municipal firm, and would like to expand this service by representing the City of Lake Elmo. Mr. Borer has seven years of municipal. experience (civil and criminal matters), although 1-1/2 years of this work was while he was in law school. Mr. Borer's proposal is to represent the City on the basis of a Retainer Agreement under which he would bill the City on the basis of services rendered at a rate of $55.00 per hour for attorneys time and $27.50 for paralegal time. In addition, the proposal includes a provision for routine civil work at a set monthly retainer fee of $600. This fee would cover such items as attorney's reports, ordinance drafting, review of customary contracts and leases, consultation with administrative staff, City Council and other City employees, legal opinions, and the usual day-to-day legal work. The retainer fee would not cover special services such as litigation, appellate work, condemnation, improvement projects, and real estate purchases and sales. Attendance at City Council meetings would be covered under the retainer, if the meeting was for a reasonable length of time. Also, there is no charge to the City for mileage or transportation time, and would be willing to document his time spent on the Cit,y's work. Mr. Borer stated he is not involved in any other business, other than his law practice, other than part ownership of a fourplex in St. Paul. B. Frederic Knaak and Kathleen Rauenhorst of Rauenhorst and Carlson Mr. Knaak stated he has been a practicing attorney for seven years and Is currently the city attorney for Newport, Minnesota where he handles both the civil and criminal matters. He has been with Rauenhorst and Carlson since February 1, 1985. He has worked in the Washington County Court System for the City of Newport, as well as for other local governments, for several. years. He has been a member of the Minnesota Senate since 1983, representing a district in Northeastern Ramsey County. T9 jCITY' COUNCIL MINUTES FOR 3--1.9-85 PAGE 2 Kathleen Rauenhorst has practiced law since 1978 and has served as a member of the City Council and the finance and Planning Commission of the City of Arden Hills. She practiced with the State Public Defender's Office and has extensive experience in cavil and criminal litigation. It is expected. that, .Mrs. Rau.enhorst; would be the principal backup attorney on civil matters for the City of Lake Elmo, a :role she currently fulfi.l.ls for the City of l`lewport. The $600 retainer fee Is an arbitrary figure. If the services provided by the firm do not amount to $600, the following months bill will reflect, a credit. the services not included in the retainer will. be charged at the rate of $60 per hour. There will be no additional charge for mileage or transportation. Mr. Kna.ak views the role of city attorney to provide advice and service, and not to direct the City Council. Although Mr. Knna.ak's experience with water problems is very limited, Mrs. Rauenhorst; has been Involved with the Watersheds in Arden. Hills and is aware of the problems involved with surface water. C. Philip Moosbrugger of Moosbrugger & Murray Mr. Moosbrugger stated his retainer would be $600 per year. This would cover attendance at any six council meetings chosen by the City during the year. The hourly fee for additional work in the civil area would be $45 per hour. If his attendance at six meetings was not needed, he would be willing to make a pro rata rebate. There would be no additional charge for mileage, unless the City's work took him out - of the area.. Mr. Moosbrugger stated that; Lake Elmo would be his first municipal client, but: feels this to be an asset as he could devote his energy and ability to this representation. He would have the primary responsibility in representing the City, with the other members of the firm available fof consu.ltat:ion on any matters where their experience and knowledge would benefit the City of Lake Elmo. The firm is not; aware of any property, .fi.nancial investments or other potential sources of a conflict of interest involved with its representaioh of the City of Lake Elmo. Mr. Moosbrugger does not feel there is a potential for a conflict of' interest with his father, Gordon Moosbrugger, serving on the Hoard of Directors of VBWD, as he merely sits on the Hoard and does not represent them in a legal. capacity. Regarding his bid being lower than others submitted, Mr. Moosbrugger assured the Council that he would not be charging twice as much as the others because of his lack of.experlence. His research into areas that he is not .familiar with will not be charged to the City. D. David Magnuson. Mr.. Magnuson stated his retainer of $6000.per year is to provide legal services to the City Council, Mayor, Planning Commission, Building Inspector, any City, Committee or Commission the City Clerk, City Treasurer and any other department of the City including attendance at meetings as required. Not included in the retainer are Trials, 'C"Y.'PY'COUNCIL?MINUTES FOR 3-19-85 PAGE 3 Extraordinary Services, and Charge -backs which will be charged at the rate of $75 per hour. There would be no additional charge for, mileage, but photocopies would be charged for at the rate of fifteen ( cents per corky. Mr. Magnuson pointed out, that the civil work would be handled primarily by Mr. Magnuson with Ms. Dieperink assisting him as needed. Mr. Magnuson's municipal experience includes lawyer :for the Township of Baytown since 1973; City Attorney for Stillwater since 1978; and City Attorney for Marine-on--St.Croix since 1979. i.• �iF i.'H•�E iF•IE �EX•�'�#iE#####dF �F#•�3&�;•Ma!•�F dC##3F•k:k 7��•#•#3(•k•]£%#:f•X:i#�f'k�f�E�#3F#X•X$•3&dF#K�r�1F i6#� sW Mayor Morgan called the regular meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. In the council chambers. Present: Armstrong, Christ (excused at 9:15 p.m.), Dunn, Mazzara, City Administrator Klaers, City Engineer Bohrer. 1. Agenda M/S/P Dunn/Armstrong - To adopt the 3-19-85 City Council agenda as amended: Table #5 - Interview with David Lang until 3-1 9-85 meeting; Add 7A - City Attorney; 7B -- Retiring Planning Commission members; and 7C •- Water problem update„ (Motion carried 5-0) 2. Minutes: March 5, 1985 MAN Dunn/Armstrong - To approve the minutes of the 3-5-"85 City Council meeting as amended. (Motion carried 5-0) 3. Claims MAN Mazzara/Dunn - To approve claims 85910 t-hru 85957 as presented. (Motion carried 5•-0) 4. Discussion with Office Space Committee Morgan.stated what he is Looking for from this committee is an innovative idea as to what- the Council should do. The Council will. make the final decision, but will consider the recommendation and suggestions of the committee. The committee was reminded that it is an established City Council Committee, and as such, they are required by State law to abide by the open meeting laws. The committee should establish a set meeting date, time and location; and should it deviate from this schedule, to notify City IIal.l so that the press can be notified. John Schiltz, Planning Commission member (also an applicant for the Office Space Committee) asked what constitutes the conflict of interest that prevented any of the Planning Commission members that applied for a seat on this committee from being, appointed. Morgan stated that the Council dial not eliminate Planning Commission members because of a conflict of interest. The Council was looking for new people with new ideas who at the present time were not involved with city government. 'fl CITYOCOUNCIL MINUTES FOR 3-19-85 PAGE 4 5: Planning Commission Interview - David Lang (Tabled to�4-2-85 ) 6. 'City Engineer's Report A. Green Acres Conditional Use Permit amendment application by Howard Springborn for the addition of a. water slide and bumper boats. Entered into public record was the following data received in the city office regarding this application which was not included in the City Council packets: (1) Petition from the Springborn's and some residents in the area indicating support; (2) A letter from the Town Board. Manager of Somerset (where a'waterslide exists); (3) A response to Mr. Kernan's Environmental Quality Board petition from the DNR; (4) A letter from the school district indicating support of the waterslide; (5) A letter from St. Michels Church; and (6) A letter from Cub Scout Pack 240's Award Chairman. The Council was informed that the Planning Commission, after hearing testimony on this application at three meetings, recommended to the City Council to deny the application based on the City Planner's .report of 3-1-85 which indicates that the activity does not meet the working definition of what a commercial recreation of a rural nature consists of.. Bruce Folz representing Mr. Springborn, gave a brief summation of Mr. Springborn's proposal for one water slide (with an option for the addition of a second slide in the future) and fifteen to twenty , electric bumper. boats. Folz pointed out that the Springborn's are willing to install sound barriers, if that would be required by the City. The hours of operation would be from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. There will be showers installed and a dressing room. The Springborn's do not now, nor do they propose to serve any alcholic beverages. The cost of one run is estimated at $70,000 to $80,000. The unit is set on wood poles in the ground, so the unit can be dismantled and hauled away or relocated, if necessary. The system is self-contained and takes about 18,000 gallons of water to fill the tanks', pumps and lines (a one time draw of this 18,000 gallons). T typical unit uses about 1,000 gallons of water a day. The slide wol range from a maximum of fifteen feet above the ground down to ground level. The slide can be made of any color. The maximum capacity on the slide, based on similar installations, is 40,000 people (per season) based on a one -hundred day use which is about 400 people a day. The traffic projected for the activity is about sixty vehicles per day on an average. If the City feels that trespassing onto the Jesuit Property would be a problem, the area could be fenced off and restricted. Armstrong stated she visited the site, and pointed out that it looks a lot different in reality than it does on paper. She recommended that people, pro or con, take a look at the site and.walk it out. Torn Kernan, 5367 Jamaca expressed opposition to this proposal .as he feels an activity of this type is not commercial recreation of a rural` nature. CITYCOUNCIL MINUTES FOR 3-1.9-85 PAGE 5 Jess Mottaz, 8770 DeMontreville Trail expressed opposition to this proposal and urged the Council to deny the expansion because the investment made for this activity would create a commercial zoning by CUP inithe middle of a residential zone. M/S/P Mazzara/Armstrong - To table a decision on this application until the April 2, 1985 City Council meeting. (Motion carried 5-0) B. Bishop/Clapp Thommsen application for rezoning from RR to R1 (for 11 Lots) and concept approval of plan for 35 single family residential lots at SE corner of Stillwater st Boulevard and Inwood Avenue. (Continued from 3-5-85) This application was discussed in detail at the 3-5-85 meeting, and no new information was received From the applicant. The Engineer clarified that if the application for rezoning was approved, the plan calls for thirty-five lots. If the application is denied, and the applicant proceeds with cluster development, approximately twenty-four lots could be developed. Bruce Folz, representing Mr. Bishop stated the reasons for requesting the .rezoning to R1 is that they desire the same protection as other R1 .land in the City. In the RR zone, more storage buildings are allowed - a lot of things are allowed that the developer doesn't want in this subdivision. Dan Novak expressed his opposition to this proposed rezoning and does not feel this property should be developed at all. Development of this area would force the issue of sewer in the area, and feels it is obvious there is going to be some wet basements and failing septic systems. Mazzara feels the application is in accordance with the rest of the area 1-1/2 acres lots. It appears that Mr. Folz has adequately addressed the water and traffic problems, and does not .feel this development would bring sewer into Lake Elmo. Christ feels the soil conditions are bad in the area, and not suitable for septic systems. Armstrong stated that in 1983 the Met Council asked Lake Elmo to not rezone anything else R1 because there is enough R1 development already. The VBWD is having a lot of trouble trying to solve the water problems, and 79 acres more developed is just going to compound their problems. She is also concerned with the blind spot by the ,cul-de-sac. Dunn stated he is not in favor of the rezoning because of the soil conditions that exist, and the overall water problem this will cause i..,i addition to not being adequate for septic systems. Morgan stated there are water problems on Lake Elmo, Sunfish Lake and there is no place to put the water. Our neighbors in West Lakeland are having water problems and no way could he vote for anything that would increase the density in area that sheds into that watershed at the present time. 1. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR 3-19-85 PAGE 5 Christ/Dunn - To deny the application by 'Con Bishop/Clapp Thommssen for a rezoning from RR to RI that property Located at the corner of Stillwater Blvd and, Inwood Avenue. (Motion carried 4-:1. fMazzara>) The Council acknowledged that the lots will need variances for exceeding the maximum lot size in a cluster development, M/S/P Morgan/Dunn - To give preliminary concept approval for the cluster development of eleven lots at the corner of Stillwater Blvd. and Inwood Avenue, to Dan Bishop/Clapp-Thommsen, assuming that all ordinances and code requirements are met, including the County's restrictions on the proposed cul-de-sac. (Motion carried 5--0) C. House moving emergency action request by Ken Evanoff on Lake Jane: Shoreland Permit and honing Code front yard variance. The Engineer stated that, the Evano.ff's presented a revised sketch of The plan to move their existing house. Their intention is to move the house back thirty feet. The house presently does not have a, basement, but the plan I; to raise the house; up and move it toward the road so they could build a basement under it. The basement floor would be at the 100 year flood elevation (929 feet). Because these plans have been changed, and the house will meet the setback requirement from the road, no public hearing will be required. The Engineer has been in contact with VBWD, and they indicate they will do nothing to discourage the Evanoff's from moving their house. Christ/Mazzara -To grant a Shoreland, Permit to KeY and Kathy Evanoff at 9199 Jane Road North for the purpose of moving their home back approximately thirty feet from its present location and, for the construction of a. basement. (Motion carried 5-0). M/S/P Morgan/Dunn - To waive the fee .for the permit to move this house. (Motion carried 5.-0) D. 201 Program Update The Administrator advised the Council that the boards have been sold for this project and are now available to the City. The City has requested $97,000 plus which will cover the City's expenses to date. The Engi.neer"s report dated March 14, 1985 indicated that the MPCA review of the 97 individual and 13 off -site septic systems is now in process. This review should be completed by the end of March, after which any required changes to the plans will be made. The project is still -on schedule for mid -summer construction start-up. E. Report on Washington County plans for CSAH 13B and CSAH 15. The Engineer's report dated March 14, 1985 reviewed the proposed work by the Washington County Public Works Department as presented by Dick Herold at the March 5, 1985 council meeting. ✓' The Engineer's major concern regarding the work on County Road 13B (Inwood Avenue) is compliance with, the 1% rule because recently the City formally adopted this rule for all areas of the City except the small area that lies within the Ramsey/Washington Metro Watershed District. Mr. Herold has.provided the calculations that convinces the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR 3-19-85 PAGE 7 � Engineer that,this 1% rule will be met. At this point, the Engineer has no, further concerns with the planned improvements for County Road 13B. /S/P Armstrong/Mazzara - To approve the plans for road constructions by Washington County for County Road 13B, as recommended by the City Engineer. (Motion carried. 5-0) Regarding the realignment of Manning Avenue into West- Lakeland Township to avoid the sharp curves around Horseshoe Lake, the Engineer stated the disadvantage to this plan is that approximately one mile of existing Manning Avenue would be turned back to Lake Elmo and West Lakeland Township for ownership and maintenance. It is customary that a road,is improved to some standard prior to it being turned back to a community. When the final plan.is developed, City approval is necessary because this is a County State Aid Highway. The Engineer recommended that concept approval be given for CSAH 15 realignment bub that the t-urnback of Manning Avenue be thoroughly negotiated prior to actual plan approval. The' Engineer felt it would be .appropriate for West Lakeland to take the portion of this road that swings oub into West Lakeland up to 20th Street, and Lake Elmo take the section from 20th Street north. It would fit into our maintenance route, as far as plowing, and feels it would also fit into West Lakeland's ,route. M/S/P Morgan/Mazzara - To give concept approval to Washington County for County State Aid Highway 15 (Manning Avenue) realignment from loth Street to one-half mile north of 20th Street. (Motion carried 5-0) F. Discussion: Washington and Ramsey Counties staff report on safe drinking water around the landfill site. The Administrator stated that the Washington County Board, on a 5-0 vote, accepted the recommendations of the staff. This will be before._ the Ramsey County Board on the 26th of March and the sub -committee of the Ramsey County Board has recommended approval. The County is committed to paying $485,000 of this, but they may go through an assessment process, and pay the assessments conditioned upon the landowners signing a waiver that no further lawsuits will be processed (two have been filed to date). Christ stated that the committee pushed for this well to go to 325 homes initially. He does not feel the City should be too adamant about,reducing this figure. The Counties liability for the initial homes does not go away when they put in a system that will only supply one -hundred homes.- It is the Counties problem if this well is not big enough; or if the main isn't big enough, they are going to have to put in a bigger main. The Engineer stated that we will have to address the issue of fire protection first. Fire protection will require the 8 inch main. If the Counties would allow the City to size the major portions of the system, the well, pump and the distribution system, for the larger service area that would meet the City's needs for fire protection of this immediate area with very few modifications, the City would receive two benefits. Now if the City addresses the issue of fire protecion and decides that they wan'b it, the sizing is already there and should additional contamination show up, there is no basis for extra contribution by the County because the City already paid for µ CI`.PY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR 3-19• 85 PAGE. 8 thpse facilities. Also, the City saw annual operation and maintenace and fire protection as being negotiable items. The Countys' said no to this. G. Water Problems around the City Y The Engineer stated that for the past week, Eagle Point has been at its maximum level of 898. Too marry more inches over that and it starts going over the dyke. That is the point at which the city crew hasnto start manipulating -• trying to remove some sand. bags. The crew has had to do that on almost a daily basis. Legion Pond is at the highest level that the Engineer has ever seen it. Beutel's Pond now has begun to back up under Highway 5. Presently, it is still within the highway ditches - it hasn't started to effect the Jamaca Court area, which is the first one to be effected. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Weisbrod, 11356 30th Street (west of Reid Park) have some concerns with water runoff from the Park. Mr. Weisbrod believes that his septic system is being affected by this water, Mr. Weisbrod has asked permission to pump this water., and the Engineer indicated that as long as it did not: damage somebody elses property, it could be acceptable. The consensus of the Council is to allow Mr. Weisbrod to use the City's pump, with Mr. Weisbrod furnishing the hose, contingent upon the water being pumped onto City owned property. Mr. Paul R,yberg :1.1326 30th Street asked the City to consider doing whatever is necessary to direct the flow of water in Reid Park in the( opposite direction from which it now flows. The Administrator stated that last; year, the City provided satellite facilities to the property owners around Lake Jane that needed them. We didn't give them out free, but the City was able to get a slight discount so the City was the coordinating agency to provide these facilities. We have again been requested to provide these facilities. M/S/P Morgan/Dunn -- To follow the same policy as in 1984 to make satellite facilities available to those residents that request this service, with ,the resident paying the City's cost for this service. (Motion carried 4--0) The Administrator stated that last year the City got sandbags at sixty --one cents each. This year, the staff found a company that manufactures these bags and the City has picked up 1000 of these plastic sand bags at seventeen cents each. 7. City Council Reports A. City .Attorney Interviews It was the consensus of the Council to not take action at this point, to review the resumes and possibly interview.a couple of the applicants again. B. Retiring Planning Commission Members It, was the consensus of the Council that the city staff prepare resolutions for Howard Michel Bob Dreher and Vicki Gifford f'or their long and effective, service o,, ,.,:,:: .'.l.:nni.ng Commission. Morgan CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR 3-•19-85 PAGE 9 suggested that the City have an appreciation dinner for these Planning Commission members and the departed Council members. C. Water Problem Update Regarding the Sunfish Lake petition, Morgan stated that; he spoke with Nels Nelson and they are establishing the preliminary fund for this petition. There are some members of the Watershed Board that, want to expand the petition to show the cause and effect which could almost double the cost. Morgan told Mr. Nelson that; there was no appetite for that on the Council; and if they did it, the City Council would probably withdraw the petition. 8. City Administrator's Report A. Planning Commission's 1985 work Plaid Regarding #18 of the Work Plan, Dunn feels that files are available regarding previous studies done on sewer.ing the Old Village area. He feels that the Commission can spend their time talking about it, but enough money has been spent studying the issue. M/S/P Dunrz/Morgan - To approve the Planning Commission's 1985 Work Plan with extreme caution on some of the items with respect to expenditures. (Motion carried 4-0) B. Code Amendment consideration relating to accessory structures. As it appears that amending this section of the code requires a more in-depth review, it was the consensus of the Council to table this proposed code amendment, until this study is completed. C. Maintenance Foreman Selection Process The Administrator was instructed to review the applications and make the rough --cut, but to allow the Council members to review all of the applications if they choose to do so. Also, Morgan feels that local. people should riot be eliminated if they qualify for the position. The consensus of the Council is to not rush into hiring .for this positions, as the City is surviving without a maintenance foreman. D. Other 1. Office Space Committee The Office Space Committee will meet on the first and third. Wednesday's of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers. M/S/P Dunn/Armstrong - To adjourn (9c40 p.m.) (Motion carried 4-0) Resolution 85•-70 - DNR Gateway Segment Since we do not have time to discuss every point presented, it may seem that decisions are preconceived. However, background information is provided for the City Council on each agenda item in advance from City Staff and appointed Commissions; and decisions are based on this information and past experiences. In addition, some items may also have been discussed at previous Council meetings. If you are aware of information that hasn't been discussed, please fill out a "Request to Appear Before the City Council" slip; or, if you came late, raise your hand to be recognized. Comments that are pertinent are appreciated. Items requiring excessive time may be continued to another meeting. 5:30 p.m 7:00 p.m. AGENDA LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL March 19, 1985 City Attorney Interviews: George Borer 5:30 p.m. Frederick Knaak 5:50 p.m. Phillip Moosbrugger 6:10 p.m. David Magnuson 6:30 p.m. Regular Meetings Convenes 1. Agenda 2. Minutes: 3. Claims March 5, 1985 4. Office Space Committee: Interview with the nine members to discuss role/charge of committee. 5. Planning Commission Interview - David Lang 6. City Engineer's Report 7:30 p.m. A. Green Acres Conditional Use Permit amendment application by Howard Springborn for the addition of a water slide. B. Bishop/Clapp Thommsen application for rezoning from RR to R1 (for 11 lots) and concept approval of plan for 35 single family residential lots at SE corner of Stillwater Boulevard and Inwood Avenue. --BREAK ------------------------- (OVER) C. House moving emergency action request by Ken Evanoff on Lake Jane: Shoreland Permit and Zoning Code front yard variance required. D. 201 Program Update E. Report on Washington County plans for CSAH 13B and CSAH 15. F. Discussion: Washington and Ramsey Counties staff report on safe drinking water around the landfill site. G. Other 7. City Council Reports 8. City Administrator's Report A. Planning Commission 1985 Work Plan B. Code Amendment consideration relating to accessory structures. C. Discussion: Maintenance Foreman Selection Process D. Other CLAIMS TO BE APPROVED AT MARCH 19, 1985 LAKE ELMO COUNCIL 14EETING 85916 Gov.Training Service -Rezoning Workshop,Fred Nazarian 85917 Postmaster - postage meter 85918 David Eder - cleaning 85919 Lawson, Raleigh & Marshall - General, Prosecutions $ 975.00 Grabski 126.00 Others 287.8i0 Total General 1,388.80 M.S.A. 260.00 85920 TKDA - General, I-94 Overlay $ 184.65 Ramsey/Wash Landfill 505.49 State aid Maint. 491.08 19B Plan Review 141.58 Grabski 184.65 Others 577.86 Total General 2,085.31 M.S.A. 4,113.71 Pass Thru 446.67 85921 Planning & Development Services - Planner 85922 First National Bank of St. Paul — Equip Certificate 85923 Mary Meyer - 3/12/85 Newsletter 85924 City of North St. Paul - Animal Control Vehicle 85925 I.C.B.O. - Building Officials dues 85926 Pitney Bowes - postage meter 85927 Frederick -Sherry Office Supply Co. 85928 Road Rescue, Inc. - Fire Dept. EMS supplies 85929 Mid -Central Fire - Fire Dept. supplies 85930 General Communications, Inc. - Fire Dept. Radio Service 85931 Wash. County Fire Chief Assn - Dues 85932 Fire Dept Joint Powers Purchasing Consortium - Dues 85933 Capitol City Mutual Aid Assn - Dues 85934 Brookman Motor Sales - Fire Dept. truck repair 85935 Kunz Oil Co. - Fire Dept. gas 85936 Lake Elmo Oil - Fire Dept. $ 37.41 Maint. Dept. 375.71 85937 Meyer Hardware - Fire Dept. Maint. Dept. 47.17 85938 To A. Schifsky - Limerock, Maint. Dept. 85939 Hagbergs Country Market - Maint. Dept. 85940 Dan Olinger - Snowplowing 85941 Water Products Co. - Water Dept. - Meters 85942 Stillwater Board of Water Com - Lake Elmo Ave, main freeze 85943 Roettger Welding - 3 main freeze ups 85944 Action Rental - Water Dept. main freeze 85945 thru 85957 March 29th payroll Total $ 53,577.4" March 14, 1985 TO: Lake Elmo City Council T V1 FR: Patrick D. Klaers, City Adminsitrator RE: Informational Memo for March 19, 1985 City Council Meeting 1. Attached for your information is the most recent City Newsletter dated 3-12-85. This newsletter edition highlights articles on the request for pumping at Sunfish Lake and the Council appointed Office Space Committee. 2. For your information, the City staff is somewhat shorthanded this month as Deputy Clerk Kathy Crombie is on call for jury duty. She has been coming in early, but has been called out of the office frequently during the middle part of the day. 3. Attached for your information are two articles on the Comparable Worth Law One article is from the Washington County Bullet nand discusses the County's situation in complying with this law. The other article is from the Minneapolis Tribune and discusses local cities efforts to comply with this law. The City staff is in the process of revising the job descriptions for the City employees to insure that they reflect the work that is actually being accomplished. We will then proceed with some discussions with the City Council on the most appropriate method to comply with this State law. At this point, I believe, we should go with the job match program with the state government positions. This is the simplest of all the procedures to follow. 4. After the 16 inch snowfall that we rececived on Sunday and Monday, March 3 and 4, the City received very few complaints and we actually received some compliments on our snow removal operation. This was the heaviest snowfall of the season but overall the amount of snow has been somewhat light. However, the snow removal equipment has been hit hard because of the large amount of scraping of ice that is required and the frequent amount of small snowfalls requiring snow removal duties. The replacement of the blades on the City trucks is a typical annual expense but this year we seem to have gone through more blades than usual. 5. Attached for your information is a memo from Washington County regarding Tornado Awareness Week . With the resignation of Dave Wisdorf, the City has no Civil Defense Director on staff. Either the new Maintenance Foreman should assume this position or we may need some City Council discussions on whether or not the Fire Chief should assume this position and responsibility. Currently, if we had a disaster such as a tornado or a truck load full of chemicals overturning on the highway, the -Fire Department would be the lead agency with mutual aid, Washington County and EMS involvement. There is no doubt that adequate procedures and steps would be taken to insure the safety of the area if a disaster took place. Note that the Tornado Awareness Week calls for a mock tornado drill on Thursday, 3-21-85. 6. Wish to inform the City Council that I will be on vacation this - Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22. I will be out of town with some friends and this vacation may extend through Monday, 3-25-85, depending on my arrival back in the Cities. V. Attached for your information is some material from Chuck Taylor, VBWD Cititzen.Advisory Commmittee member, on the current lake levels in our area. 8. Attached for your information are the February Police and Fire Department Monthly Reports You should note that it was an . exceptionally light month for Fire Department activities. g. Attached for your information is a "Waste Forum" from Washington County. This is a new report and the first issue of this Waste Forum. The intent of this newsletter is to update the residents of Washington County on waste related activities. 10. Attached for your information are some materials relating to Parliamentary Procedures . This material was obtained from the League of Minnesota Cities, the Handbook on Minnesota Cities and from Rose Armstrong when she attended the conference on newly elected officials. This is a lot of material to go through and some of the items may repeat themselves. However, this is very important to the City staff that everyone at the Council table understands the process for which Council action is taken and recorded. The City staff is not having any problems with formal motions, but, we are sometimes experiencing difficulty in understanding when a "consensus" is achieved. Sometimes we are hearing one person say something at a meeting and no other comments are offered but at the following meeting we will hear statements such as, "well it was agreed upon at the last meeting that this is the way we are to proceed". Just because one person says something with no additional council comments being offered does not mean that a consensus is reached. The staff takes direction from the entire City Council and not any one individual. The staff can sometimes proceed under the assumption that the Council has reached a consensus, but everyone should be careful in doing this so that we are sure that everyone is in agreement on what action should be taken by the City staff. If there is any doubt on how the staff should proceed., a formal motion should be made indicating Council direction.